Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Shaquille O'Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Shaquille O'Neal Once Rapped About Punching An NBA Peer In The Face

Originally posted on Back in the Day NBA on SI
By Zachary Draves | Last updated Aug 21, 2024 11:09 AM ET

Shaquille O'Neal made it clear from the jump he was not to be messed with.

In the case of former Detroit Pistons guard Alvin Robertson, it was both on the court and on a rap record.

An old clip is resurfacing of a game between the Pistons and the Orlando Magic during O'Neal's rookie season in 1992. Bill Laimbeer was holding down O'Neal. Robertson came in the mix and O'Neal delivered a vicious blow, leading to both players needing separation.

Afterward, Charles Barkley was asked by NBA analyst Doug Collins to respond to the incident. He responded as only he could.

"Well these teams are trying to play physical," he said. "If they want to play physical they got to be able to back it up. So I hope it was a good shot cause he gonna get fined a lot."

When Shaq slapped Alvin Robertson and then rapped about it on his first album pic.twitter.com/jwMKhZSbgE
— Basketball’s Greatest Moments (@NBAGreatestM) August 21, 2024

O'Neal was fined $10,000 plus suspended for a game. Robertson was later ejected from the game for shoving Magic point guard Scott Skiles. He was fined $7,500.

Despite the friction, the Magic defeated the Pistons 105-91.

Later, O'Neal bragged about the moment in his song "Where Ya At?" featuring Phife Dogg off his 1993 album Shaq Diesel

He rapped "I’ve got mad props so why would you exploit, punch you in your face like that kid from Detroit”.

Zachary Draves is a contributor to Back In the Day Hoops On SI. He can be reached at zdraves1013@gmail.com and on Instagram @zdraves0633.

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This article first appeared on Back in the Day NBA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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